Monaco

1215 (January 8, Monday) – The Genoese establish a fortress on the site of Monaco

1419 (June 12, Wednesday) – The Grimaldi family takes control of Monaco

1641 (January 19, Thursday) – Monaco becomes a protectorate of France

1861 (February 17, Sunday) – Treaty of Paris cedes Monaco’s land to France, recognizing Monaco’s sovereignty

1911 (April 7, Friday) – Monaco adopts a new constitution that establishes a constitutional monarchy

1956 (April 19, Thursday) – Prince Rainier III marries Grace Kelly, an American actress, in a highly publicized event

1962 (January 18, Thursday) – Monaco adopts a new constitution, affirming the sovereignty of the monarchy

1971 (January 1, Friday) – Monaco’s Casino implements strict reforms, focusing on gambling and tourism as key revenue sources

1986 (May 12, Monday) – Prince Rainier III begins significant modernization of Monaco, increasing its global presence

1999 (September 22, Wednesday) – Prince Albert II becomes the heir to the throne after the death of Prince Rainier III

2004 (July 7, Wednesday) – Prince Albert II formally ascends to the throne following the death of his father

2019 (August 14, Wednesday) – Strong windstorm causes minor damage and disruption to Monaco’s harbor

2020 (March 19, Thursday) – COVID-19 pandemic affects tourism, with strict lockdown measures implemented across the principality

Continent: Europe
Location: Western Europe, on the French Riviera
Capital: Monaco (the only city in the country)
Language: French (official), English, Italian, Monégasque
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: ~39,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1), Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) during daylight savings

Borders: France
Landscape: Primarily a coastal area with steep hills rising from the Mediterranean Sea
Major Rivers: None
Major Mountains: Mont Agel (1,148 m / 3,766 ft)
Deserts: None
Lakes: None
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Mont Agel (1,148 m / 3,766 ft)
Lowest Point: Mediterranean Sea (0 m)
Climate: Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers
Geological Features: Steep cliffs and rocky terrain, with a natural harbor on the Mediterranean coast

Ethnic Groups: Mainly French, Italian, and Monégasque
Religion: Roman Catholic (approximately 90%)
Urban Population: ~100% (since Monaco is an urban city-state)
Aging Population: ~28% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Luxury lifestyle, casinos, yachting, Formula 1 Grand Prix, Monte Carlo
Cuisine: French, Mediterranean, seafood, local dishes like Barbagiuan (stuffed pastry)
Arts: Opera, ballet, classical music, and film festivals
Sports: Formula 1 (Grand Prix), yachting, tennis (Monte Carlo Masters), football (AS Monaco)

Famous For: Luxury lifestyle, casinos, yachting, Formula 1 Grand Prix, Monte Carlo
Cuisine: French, Mediterranean, seafood, local dishes like Barbagiuan (stuffed pastry)
Arts: Opera, ballet, classical music, and film festivals
Sports: Formula 1 (Grand Prix), yachting, tennis (Monte Carlo Masters), football (AS Monaco)

Government Type: Constitutional monarchy
Head of State: Prince Albert II (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Minister of State Pierre Dartout (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral National Council
Constitution: In effect since 1962, with amendments

Monte Carlo: Famous for the Monte Carlo Casino, luxury hotels, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix
Prince’s Palace: Official residence of the ruling family of Monaco
Oceanographic Museum: Oceanography exhibits and research center
Exotic Garden of Monaco: Spectacular garden with Mediterranean plants
Monaco Cathedral: Burial place of past rulers, including Prince Rainier III